 In a readers' poll in the June 2008 issue of "San Diego Magazine", Pick Up Stix was named one of the three "Best Takeout" restaurants in San Diego.Pick Up Stix was created by a Chinese immigrant, Charlie Zhang, who moved to the United States in 1982 with only $20 in his pocket.He took traditional Asian food and adapted it to the American palate by reducing the amount of oil and adding wine, vinegar and soy sauce.